Done and Done

Were you guys getting worried that I didn't complete my promised DIY for the week?

left / middle / right

Well, I DID! One thing I learned for sure is I need to step up my camera game for this here blog... the iPhone just won't cut it! Sorry for the not-so-great pictures, but at least there is some proof that I got my craft on!

I also need to make a note to myself not to take pictures in the evening when it is d.a.r.k! {Thanks a lot day light savings time!} 

I really like the way the crafts turned out. My plan is to pick up white pieces here and there and tie them together with a little golden updating. I'll be sure to keep you all updated as the "collection" comes along. I even added a little surprise in the bowl {which, by the way, is much shinier and golden in person... again, bad camera and lighting... darn it!}... anywho the surprise that makes me happy:

A little surprise initial inside. Ohhhh the small joys in life!

You know what is a HUGE joy in life? FRIDAYS. Happy Friday to all! Have a great weekend! I'm off to cheer on my Jayhawks tonight for the first official basketball game of the season... Can't wait to be back in Allen Fieldhouse. ROCK CHALK.

Splurge or Save: Lip Scrub

For this edition of "Splurge or Save," I'm dipping back into the cosmetics world again and sharing one of my favorite products for winter! Without fail, I get a good case of chapped lips every year when the weather changes. A lip exfoliator is a total must for me {I better add it to my list of go-to products!}, but the question is, do you splurge or save?

For me, I think it's worth the splurge on Fresh Cosmetics Sugar Lip Polish, but if you are looking to save a few bucks, this DIY version would be a great alternative!

Gift Guide: BFF

The holidays are coming! Before you know it we'll be passing out presents under the Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa while the fire place roars... wait -- that sounds a little too perfect -- somehow Christmas always ends up a little more crazy than that... and I love every minute of it!

I think one of the best parts about the holidays is finding the perfect gift for someone you love. Somehow I am always more excited to give the gifts I have purchased, than I am to receive gifts {not a huge fan of surprises... silly, I know!}.

What better way to countdown to Christmas that prepare with a fresh batch of gift guides? Since we have 7 shopping weeks left before Santa Clause graces us with his presence, I think that calls for 7 gift guides. Who might we be shopping for you ask...

• Your BFF
• For Her
• For Him
• Homie 
• The Tech-ster
• The Pup
• For YOU

So, without further ado:

Friends can be hard to buy for, but hopefully this little list will help you out just a bit!

1. This infinity scarf is both cute and cozy! The color combination would make a great compliment to any wintery wardrobe.

2. My favorite candle always makes chilly winter nights a little warmer. It's called "Aloha Orchid"... maybe I'm just dreaming of a warmer Hawaiian environment!

3. Who said friendship bracelets are just for kids?

4. It's always fun to dress up your phone and this is one of those purchases I hate to buy for myself! 

5. How fun is this two-tone clutch? Not only a great pop of color for a winter wardrobe, but versatile for year-round use!

6. Add a little sparkle to compliment her clutch! 

7. And of course, no holiday gift guide would be complete without some socks! I always wear fun socks under my boots... it's like a little bit of cheer each time I take my shoes off after a long and cold day!

Let's Party!

I have something kind of odd to admit... I don't really like birthdays. I feel they are just added pressure to be the center of attention {not my bag!}. BUT I do love a good party! It makes me much happier to throw a party for someone else other than myself and lately I've been collecting lots of fun inspiration for a grown-up birthday party! 

First, I'd start with some fun and fringy decor:

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And then I would add some balloons and a bit more fringe for good measure:

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Of course there would have to be a fancy area for food and maybe a little DIY photo booth area {which I'm now seeing in fringy as well... I think I see a theme here!}

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At the party, we'll keep the festivities alive with a bit of champaign {how cute is that sparkly bottle?!?} and lovely polka dot napkins... I love my polka dots!

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My sister has a big birthday coming up... maybe I can talk her into having a grown-up party so I can put a few of these ideas work!

Sassy Pants

Although this photo sums out how I feel about all Monday's in general, I'm ready to take this week by storm! 

Watch out, November...

{Can you even believe it's November?!?}

Ok, so not all of my pants are "sassy," but I did make sure when I was outfit planning for the week to add plenty of color, pattern and sass to put a little extra pep in my step!

Try a pop of neon, a statement necklace or fun shoes to brighten up your wardrobe for the week!

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Hope your week is off to a great start! 

More Leopard Lovin'

Well it's no secret that I have a love for anything leopard as proven in my round-up here and shoe choice here, but I have a confession to make. My love for animal prints doesn't stop at leopard and it doesn't stop at my wardrobe... 'Hi, my name is Katie and I have an addiction to animal prints anywhere and everywhere I can get them.' {It's true... even my dogs favorite toy is a leopard squeaky bone!} 

Lola

See? Obsessed.

Anyway, one of the things I love most about animal prints is the statement it makes. Whether it's just a touch of leopard/zebra/spots-of-some-sort or all over animal print goodness, I think it shows a confidence in style choice and a healthy does of FUN.

I've shared with you all part of my leap list, but I have a bucket list going as well for some of the bigger life accomplishment/goal items. {I'll share the full run-down with you eventually... just have to work up the courage to actually put it out there for the world to see!} One of the things on my bucket list is to buy a house and make it my own, and of course making it my own will include animal prints. Duh! 

Here are a few ways to add the wild side to your home:

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So whether it's just a chair behind your desk, a coffee table book or a pillow, you can see that a little bit goes a long way!

Or you could go all out with larger choices:

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Yep. I want leopard carpet somewhere in my house {#3 is my favorite!}... maybe in my dream closet! I said it here, folks! Now I must stick to it...

Sequin Season

It's that time of year again where everyone is ready to pull out their holiday best and sparkle around town! BUT this year, sequins isn't limited to your holiday party and fancy events, it's all-around acceptable for everyday wear and even making it's way into you home... check out the cute Anthro pillow below! 

 top: tank / sweater / stripes / dress
bottom: pillow / leggings / skirt

Take a look on how you can work a little sparkle into your wardrobe:

earrings / top

Here's a great look for happy hour! I know, I know... yes, those are sequins leggings, which are a little out of most peoples comfort zone, but pairing them with a simple, long top and statement earrings, you'll be all set!

pearls / heels

When you're going all-over sparkle, keep you accessories classic and minimal. Pearls and patent make great compliments to this fancy party dress.

necklace / jacket / jeans

Sparkle for daytime? Why not! Pair your sparkle with more casual pieces like you favorite boyfriend jeans and that military jacket we talked about here! Oh, and don't forget a fun necklace to finish the look!